When Blake was diagnosed at the age of two and half with leukemia as a parent my world shattered. There were so many things that I envisioned him growing up to do, and in those early months I began to question what his future would hold. The first six months were the hardest on him, and the medicine and steroids really took a toll on him physically and emotionally. The hardest part as a parent was watching his smile disappear.
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| Amy Blair with her family at Camp Heart Connection Oncology Camp in June 2011. Photo Courtesy: Amy Blair |
The illness had an impact on the entire family, and was emotionally and physically exhausting for all of us, but I would have given anything to see him smile again. As we approached the end of his treatments I knew that I wanted to find an organization that I could give back to and really get my heart behind. Children’s Cancer Connection provided me this opportunity in supporting Camp Heart Connection Oncology and Sibling Camps. Blake went to his first camp at the age of five, and it had been a long time since I had seen him smile that much. The camp gives him a week to just be a kid again with no other cares in the world.
The Bumping for Blake’s Cancer Camp was started in September of 2010. The event is a volleyball tournament with two divisions (recreation and competitive). There are numerous raffles, a Kid’s Korner, food, visits from local celebrities, serving challenge, special prizes for kids that attended camp, and much more! On August 27, 2011, we will hold the 2nd Annual Bumping for Blake’s Cancer Camp, and our goal is to double the amount of money raised in 2010. Not only is this an event that raises money for an amazing organization, but it is also a celebration of every year that Blake has been cured!
Even though Blake is now cured it is still a challenging time for me when we take him to camp. It is a reminder of just how precious life is, and that our family has been very lucky that we now have a healthy child and an amazing support network that still stands behind us in Children’s Cancer Connection.
